The Attorney General's Office said Officer Joseph Freda was charged with two counts of simple assault.

Officials said the charges stem from the Oct. 6 arrest of Thomas Templeton. State police told the Attorney General's Office on Oct. 22 that Templeton suffered injuries during his arrest, and the attorney general launched an investigation.

Investigators said Freda is accused of injuring Templeton by hitting him in the head with a flashlight and stepping on his hand while he was sitting on the ground with his hands cuffed behind him.

Salem police said Freda was put on paid administrative leave when the investigation was announced. The Salem Police Department launched its own investigation and said Freda was placed on unpaid leave when its investigation was complete. An administrative hearing is scheduled for next week.